Reusable expandable media with flexible skin for composite manufacturing and methods thereof
US12109733B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2023 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08J2483/04
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A material system including a plurality of expandable pellets or a monolithic flexible carrier is disclosed, each of which may include a polymer matrix configured to hold an expandable core, and a flexible skin configured to encapsulate the polymer matrix, and where the flexible skin is at least partially permeable with respect to the expandable core or a gas released by the expandable core. Implementations of the material system may include where the polymer matrix may include a thermoplastic polymer. The material system may include a charging source configured to introduce blowing agent. A method of curing a composite part is also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.